Pupil Accounting Specialist (PAS)

Established in 1998, the MSBO Voluntary Certification Program supports the ongoing professional development of school business officials. The program is a mark of distinction that reflects professional achievement and demonstrates a person’s dedication to his/her profession.

Benefits of Pupil Accounting Specialist Certification

The Pupil Accounting Specialist (PAS) certification:
1. will provide access to information and training for the Pupil Accounting Specialist that is specific to their function under Michigan law and regulation;
2. will provide a basis for advancing the profession of Pupil Accounting Specialists in Michigan; and
3. will ensure proper training in pupil accounting procedures, rules and regulations.

The PAS Program

MSBO certification courses provide a great deal of information in a short time. Most courses are “bulleted” information rather than in-depth training. They are intended to cover major points about their respective topics, offer an opportunity for questions and discussion, and provide resource information for future use.

The recommended beginning courses for the Pupil Accounting Specialist certification are Veteran Pupil Accounting Specialists or Introduction to Pupil Accounting. They are offered in the fall and spring at the MPAAA Conferences. Although anyone may benefit from this or other individual certification courses, the full program is generally intended for Pupil Accounting Specialist in their first 1-5 years of employment. For those who already have more experience, MSBO will evaluate their background to determine how much additional training is required prior to granting certification.

Requirements

This program and the courses listed have been created and reviewed by the Professional Development Committee of MSBO and have been developed in conjunction with the Michigan Pupil Accounting and Attendance Association (MPAAA). An applicant for certification must be a member of MSBO and a member of MPAAA.

In some circumstances courses from other sources may be counted toward MSBO certification. Please be aware that some courses and/or requirements may change. MSBO and the committees that created this program are continuing to evaluate and make modifications as appropriate to keep this certification current.

MSBO’s Certification Program Benefits:

Provides access to information needed to succeed in your job
Offers practical overviews of key areas of law, regulations and practices
Identifies resources for in-depth and additional information that may be utilized at a later time
Assures a quality curriculum is developed and monitored by the MSBO Professional Development Committee
Uses experienced practitioners to teach classes
Offers seminars at regular intervals and reasonable prices
Uses adult learning principles and provides a learning environment where colleagues can share experiences and information

Questions?

Contact Courtney Byam at 517.327.5937;
or Debbie Kopkau at 517.327.2587.

Upcoming PAS Certification Events

To view upcoming certification classes for 2025-26: Click Here.

Pupil Accounting Specialist (PAS) Course Descriptions

Data Quality I (3 hours):

A culture of data quality is the belief that good data is an integral part of teaching, learning, and operating your school. Data Quality I provides the initial foundational building blocks related to creating a culture of data quality. Identify the components of data quality, factors affecting data quality, collaboration opportunities, security and confidentiality, and the elements of a data audit.

Data Quality II (3 hours):

The second in the Data Quality series focuses on data entry — getting things right at the source. The quality of data will improve when all staff understands how the data will be used and how data become information. Get information about coordinating data quality at the district level, identifying data flow and cycles, common data entry issues, the importance of communication, and the roles of various district staff in this process. Pre-requisite: Data Quality I.

Days and Hours (3 hours):

What counts? How do you handle passing time? How do you calculate hours? This session is both nuts and bolts of the basics of Days and Hours and includes an opportunity for auditors and district staff to hear how ‘the other half lives”. An overview of current requirements as they relate to the school district calendars is also included.

Effective Communications (3 hours):

Learn techniques and strategies to send clear messages, create credibility, and develop strategic communications programs that are effective for your school district.

Introduction to CEPI (3 hours):

The Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI) or experts appointed by CEPI provide an in-depth overview of submissions impacting a variety of CEPI applications including the Michigan Student Data System (MSDS), the School Infrastructure Database (SID), Financial Information Database (FID), Educational Entity Master (EEM), Graduation and Dropout Application (GAD) and Registry for Personnel (REP). Information about P-20 longitudinal data systems may be included as needed.

Introduction to Pupil Accounting I (3 hours):

Pupil Accounting I introduces staff new to pupil accounting to the Pupil Accounting Manual (PAM) and requirements related to count days. Included is a review of timelines, enrollment requirements and information about the three student populations as defined by the PAM.

Introduction to Pupil Accounting II (3 hours):

The second in the Introduction to Pupil Accounting series delves into the specific enrollment and membership requirements and how a variety of programs are addressed in the Pupil Accounting Manual. This session provides participants with tips and a template of how to organize their pupil accounting materials. Pre-requisite: Introduction to Pupil Accounting I.

Introduction to Pupil Auditing (3 hours):

This introduction to pupil accounting auditing focuses on learning the basics of preparing for an audit, acronyms, quality control reviews and tips related to the audit narrative. Embedded in this session are tips on to ways to connect and work with various officials with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).

Introduction to State Agency Resources (1 hour):

Receive an introduction to state agency personnel from CEPI and MDE (including Office of the Audits, Office of State Aid and School Finance, Office of Special Education, Office of Special Education, etc., who create and/or implement the business rules, administrative rules and other processes affecting district, ISD staff or contracted auditors.

Overview of State Reporting (3 hours):

Developed in close coordination with CEPI, Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the Bureau of Assessment & Accountability (BAA), participants will look at state reporting requirements and resources from the birds-eye view. Participants will review important connections and deadlines related to Michigan School Data System (MSDS).

Principles of Education (3 hours):

Understand the educational process, culture of schools, major learning theories, teaching methodologies, school improvement, design of inservice programs, and the structure and function of the principalship.

Pupil Accounting Legal Issues (2 hours):

Learn about the legal perspectives faced by Pupil Accounting Specialists and Pupil Auditors related educational issues; enrollment issues, FERPA, student records, teacher certification, etc. as well as data quality and data collection. (Offered by MPAAA)

Pupil Accounting Legislative Primer (3 hours):

Understanding the processes and procedures of pupil accounting requires a basic understanding of school funding, including knowledge of the State School Aid Act, the School Code, and Administrative Rules and how these elements intertwine and provide the cornerstone that drives the content of the Pupil Accounting Manual and the Pupil Auditing manual.

The Recipe (3 hours):

Learn how to complete a student count day from before school starts through the end of the audit. This calendar-based review addresses tasks to be completed, and resources to be gathered at each step. Helpful hints will be given on building a reporting system and establishing a process to make sure your submission to the state and audit go smoothly.

Team Leadership (3 hours):

Learn how to match your leadership style with the culture of the organization. Matching leadership style to the cultural landscape will allow you to increase your productivity, decrease communication problems and strengthen your conflict management skills.

Certification Wrap-up (2 hours):

Celebrate completion of your certification program! Reflect on what you have learned and your role in the educational process and your school district. This class can be taken only if you are two classes or less from completing your certification (not counting the Certification Wrap-Up Session).

Elective (6 hours):

Any course taken outside of this certification track but required in another.